Admissions Unveils OnlyAtGW.com

New interactive platform enables undergraduate prospective students to create their own GW experience.

September 26, 2012

Prospective undergraduate students can now customize information on GW to their interests, chat live with current undergraduates and even take a picture of themselves wearing a Colonials hat.

The new microsite is part of a strategy to provide a more interactive and personalized admissions experience.

“The best way to recruit students is to provide individualized information about their particular interests,” said Kathryn Napper, associate vice president and dean of undergraduate admissions. “This platform enables students to interact and customize their own GW experience as part of their college search.”

Site visitors can select from more than 20 categories—including arts, athletics, business, diversity, Greek life, politics, research and study abroad—to create a page with information, photos and videos custom-tailored to their selection. Other sections allow users to read blogs by current GW students, page through the admissions flipbooks and even take a photo of themselves with the bust of George Washington, the hippo or a tri-corner Colonials hat that they can share on social media. A new feature enables users to chat live with GW students. The site hosts the Office of Admissions’ existing social media tools, including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

A goal is to showcase the opportunities that are unique to GW, including a speech on campus by President Barack Obama, the university’s location near world-class museums and international organizations, and internship opportunities.

“This is an anchor piece in our social media strategy,” said Deborah Snelgrove, associate vice president for undergraduate enrollment marketing. “It’s innovative outreach to prospective students.”

Nikki Rappaport, senior assistant director of undergraduate enrollment marketing, served as the developmental lead for the microsite. She said it was developed after conducting market research and inspired by youth branding in the corporate world.